The Local Planning Committee met on Tuesday 22 October 2024 to discuss several planning applications. The committee refused permission for extended Sunday opening and delivery hours for a commercial unit at 123 Greenwich South Street, citing concerns over noise pollution. They also deferred a decision on a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) application at 24 Lucknow Street to allow for further clarification from the applicant. In other decisions, permission was granted for a single-storey rear extension at 43 The Slade, and for the conversion of a school car park into a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) at Plumstead Manor School, with amended conditions regarding operating hours and the addition of secure cycle storage.

123 Greenwich South Street, London, SE10 8NX

The committee considered a minor material amendment to planning permission at 123 Greenwich South Street, London, SE10 8NX, concerning the hours of operation and deliveries for the commercial unit. The application sought to extend Sunday and public holiday opening hours from 7am-10pm to 6am-11pm, and delivery hours from 8am-9pm to 7am-10pm, aligning them with the rest of the week.

During the discussion, concerns were raised by councillors and residents regarding the potential for increased noise pollution from early morning and late evening deliveries on Sundays, particularly impacting the amenity of nearby residential properties. Councillor Aidan Smith, who had called in the application, argued that the extension of hours was not essential for the business's viability and would negatively affect residents' quality of life. The applicant, ASDA Stores Limited, represented by Adam Cundale, Town Planning Manager, stated that aligning Sunday hours with the rest of the week was their preferred operating model and that similar convenience stores operate with these hours without issue. They also highlighted that noise from deliveries would be the same regardless of the day.

Despite the applicant's arguments and the Environmental Health team's initial assessment that the change was minor, the committee ultimately voted to refuse the application. The decision was based on the belief that noise from deliveries before 8am on Sundays and public holidays would have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of nearby residents, particularly during a time when quiet is reasonably expected.

24 Lucknow Street, Plumstead, London, SE18 2SN

A decision on the change of use from a single-family dwelling to a five-bedroom HMO with two single-storey rear extensions at 24 Lucknow Street, Plumstead, London, SE18 2SN, was deferred. The applicant, Mr Held, was not present at the meeting, preventing councillors from asking direct questions to clarify several concerns raised by residents and ward councillors.

Councillor Nas Asghar spoke in objection, highlighting issues with the proposed extensions' impact on neighbouring amenity, particularly overshadowing and loss of light to the lower-lying property at 22 Lucknow Street. Concerns were also raised about insufficient detail regarding the side return extension and the significant parking pressure in the area, with a request for a parking stress survey. Residents and Councillor Asghar also voiced concerns about the narrowness of the internal hallways and staircases, questioning their suitability for an HMO and potential fire safety risks. Marlon Steele, a resident, shared insights from his experience as a resident and from his work with the fire brigade, emphasizing the increased fire fatalities in HMOs and the potential risks associated with narrow escape routes. Danielle Pecola, a resident and primary school teacher, raised concerns about the impact of HMOs on local services and the lack of consultation.

The committee agreed to defer the decision to allow the applicant to attend a future meeting and provide detailed answers to the members' questions.

43 The Slade, Plumstead, London, SE18 2NB

The committee granted householder planning permission for the erection of a single-storey rear extension at 43 The Slade, Plumstead, London, SE18 2NB. The applicant, Ms I Cooke, is a ward councillor at the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The proposal involves demolishing the existing rear extension and replacing it with a new one measuring 4.715m wide, 3.6m deep, and 3m high, featuring a flat roof and bi-fold doors.

The Council's Conservation Officer noted that the proposal would preserve the character and appearance of the Plumstead Common Conservation Area, as the extension would not be visible from public areas. No objections were received from neighbours or internal consultees. The committee approved the recommendation to grant planning permission, subject to conditions detailed in Appendix 2 of the reports pack.

Plumstead Manor School, Old Mill Road, London, SE18 1QF

Full planning permission was granted for the conversion of a school car park to a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) at Plumstead Manor School, Old Mill Road, London, SE18 1QF. The application was brought before the committee due to receiving 13 objections from adjacent occupiers.

Concerns were raised by residents regarding noise pollution, parking, and the impact of increased activity. The school, represented by Paul Nichols and Douglas Craig, highlighted the significant deficit in open space for its nearly 1,500 pupils and the safety concerns associated with using Plumstead Common for PE lessons. They proposed that the MUGA would also be available for community use outside of school hours.

The committee amended Condition 10 to allow the MUGA to be used between 9am and 7pm daily, rather than the officers' recommended 9am to 5pm, to allow for greater community benefit. They also approved the addition of a new condition requiring secure, weatherproof cycle storage within the development site. The committee acknowledged the parking concerns but noted that the school's travel plan aims to encourage alternative modes of transport for staff, and that the Highways Officer had no objection based on parking surveys.

Other items

The committee also noted declarations of interest from councillors. Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Sullivan, Littlewood, and Cook. There were no urgent business items or declarations of interest noted for the start of the meeting.